How does it work?

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Heparin is a naturally occuring substance in the blood that works by interfering with the body's natural blood clotting mechanism. This mechanism involves a series of complex pathways. Heparin inactivates a compound in this pathway called thrombin, which plays an important role in blood clot formation and as a result heparin prevents the formation of blood clots in the body.

Heparin is given by injection directly into the vein or under the skin, and is used for the treatment and prevention of blood clots in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Warning!

It is important for individuals using this medicine to undergo regular blood tests to measure their blood clotting ability. This is to ensure that the lowest effective dose is used at all times, reducing the risk of bleeding.

This medicine should be injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection)

There is an increased risk of bleeding associated with the use of this medicine.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Allergy to active ingredients (hypersensitivity)

Alteration in results of liver function tests

Bleeding (haemorrhage)

High blood potassium level (hyperkalaemia)

Bruising or pain at injection site

Death of the skin cells (skin necrosis)

Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) with long term use

Persistent painful erection of the penis (priapism)

Redness around injection site

Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia)

Decreased production of aldosterone, a steroid hormone which regulates salt and water balance (hypoaldosteronism)

Hair loss (alopecia) may be experienced after prolonged use

Increased acid levels in the blood (metabolic acidosis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)such as diclofenac and ketorolac can increase the risk of bleeding.

Antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole and ticlopidine and anticoagulants such as warfarin, enhance anticoagulant effect and increase the risk of bleeding. Some dextrans may increase the anticoagulant effect of heparins.Glyceryl trinitrate infusion reduces the anticlotting effect of heparin.Last updated 30.10.2007

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